Lost in Translation

Anytime you create a custom pattern, it is necessary for a series of trial and errors. I forget this and just assume the translated design will be knitted flawlessly and all will be well in the world. First off, the Apple logo I have designed is completely and mathematically accurate. Hooray! Secondly, knitting with silks and bamboos on a size 4 needle AND trying replicate the ideal logo is apparently harder than I had previously assumed. Oh, and bonus! I think I knitted an extra row in the purple section meaning my first trial is most likely fucked. Super bonus, it's also being knitted for a guy and there is this old wive's tale, a myth if you will, that once you knit something for a guy things will inevitably unravel. I knitted for one guy prior, but he's my best friend in NY and there is nothing either of us can do that could possibly damage our friendship. Believe me, we've tried. SO there ya go. Stressed over this stupid Apple and I'm three colors in and so far, not impressed with my knitwork. I am impressed with my design though.

Edit: (10:55pm) After some brief thought, I think I'm going to try to do a swatch of the pattern using Cascade 220 superwash, which I'm more used to knitting intarsia pieces with. This bamboo and silk, while very soft and nice, just isn't keep the stitches secure. It looks flimsy and fucks with the edges of the Apple. I'll report back tomorrow. Or later tonight. Demands how motivated I feel.

The End of the Owl Sweater

I would like to apologize for two things: The shitty quality of these pictures and the horrendous denim couch that my parents have. I'm staying here for a night as I'm heading north at the end of this week. My dad and his wife turned in at around 10, so I decided to spend this downtime of not packing to get some of my knitting stuff squared away. Anyway, the terrible pictures of the awesome owl sweater I made for Megan:





I would've taken better pictures if I hadn't packed my camera. Fail. Megan's pretty good at sending me pictures of things I've knitted for her, so as soon as she sends me a picture of her wearing it, I'll post it here.

I'm sure you're dying to know my next project. I'm currently juggling two and now graphing a new pattern to start sometime in the next week. I'll keep you posted.

Buttons! Buttons! Who's got the buttons?!

Today I indulged myself in buttons. Lots of wonderful, goth-tastic buttons. A wise man once wrote in a book about how buttons are the hardest to find when you're looking for them and to always be aware of them. That man was Mark Montano and you can buy that awesome book here. So I bought buttons. And I'm already inspired by them! I am now juggling two projects at once again! One being a simple wintertime scarf (two tones and striping of course!) and the other being a very particular purse. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but it's going to be pretty magical!

I finished Megan's owl sweater and will be sending it off to her shortly! Kind of pissed that I threw out a perfectly awesome box to send it in. It's now in my recycling bin. Booooo.

Somehow A Vital Connection Is Made

Pardon my wreck of a workspace (ie: my bed), but I kind of just get consumed by my project that I don't notice the mess I make until I'm ready to call it a night. Today I finished the second sleeve and connected it to the two yokes (the pieces of the body). Now I'll start on the owl cable pattern of the collar. I expect to be done in less than a week.

I'm On A Plane

One good thing about sitting on a plane for six hours is that you have a lot of time to knit. I managed to start the second sleeve of the owl sweater and finish about 9 inches in 3 hours. I intend to finish more this evening while watching The State. That show seriously ended too soon.

Guppy Sweater Complete!

Finished! I started it in August of 2009, and before you think I'm ridiculously lazy, I'd like to state in my defense it's been one of those back-up projects that I tend to when I'm burnt out on another task. It's made to measure a xs-s man, as I thought I was going to gift it, but now I kinda want to keep it. It's not fitted though, so it makes me look kinda boxy. It's made from Cascade 220 wool in Black and Grape Jelly.

Sweaters Done Both Ways

Working hard on Megan's cute owl sweater! I'm using Cascade 180 Superwash in Wisteria. Apparently it's washable wool. No felting! Just wash it cold, with your hands. I think? I can't really read the all the symbols the label has. What does the triangle mean again? This page might help. Anyway, the following is a picture of the progress so far.

I really dig knitting a sweater on circular needles. The Guppy Sweater took forever because I was knitting on straight needles, and making four different pieces. I apparently started that sweater in August of 2009 and STILL haven't finished it. It's just so tedious. Picture!:



I still have to sew all four pieces together and then block it for shape and size. Boring. But I love that grape jelly color and the fact it looks like a jersey with the raglan sleeves. Or will, when it's finally finished.

Making A Game Plan

Hi, friends! I wish I had pictures to post, but right now I have consumed myself with the most boring and tedious part of knitting: research. I'd show you some of the designs I've sketched, but we don't want to let the monkey out of the bag now do we?

I'm not-so patiently awaiting some supplies in the mail before I start another commission piece! This time a sweater with owls! Fancy, right? I'll be sure to show you progress. In the meantime, I'm working on the last sleeve of the Guppy Sweater (still) and working out the game plan for my upcoming site. The site will not only be a portfolio of past projects, but a gallery of my new designs that I will be making based on custom commission orders. I will obviously keep you posted on that as well.

I'm very excited about these new knitting endeavors! Thank you all for your interest and support. <3

Checking In.

Still knitting, I promise! Currently finishing the Guppy sweater, which I predict to be completed by the end of April. I'm just finishing up the last sleeve, and then on to seaming and the collar! Pictures soon! But not right now because I'm getting a bit of a headache and really should be working on that sleeve.